The Automotive Leaders Podcast Policy, Power, and the Future of Automotive Manufacturing with Congresswoman Haley Stevens
If you had told Jan a year ago she would bring a member of Congress onto this show, she would have said you were crazy.
But this isn’t about politics.
It’s about survival.
It’s about supply chains, tariffs, China, semiconductors, and the reality that policy decisions now move faster than most production lines.
In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sits down with Congresswoman Haley Stevens, often called the “manufacturing geek,” for a direct conversation about industrial policy, public-private partnership, national security, and what automotive leaders should expect from Washington.
Whether we like it or not, policy volatility is now a leadership variable.
Themes Discussed in this Episode
- Why Manufacturing Mondays keep policymakers grounded in shop-floor reality
- Lessons from the 2008–2009 auto rescue and bipartisan public-private partnership
- The Chips and Science Act and reshoring semiconductor production
- China’s 95% dominance in rare earth processing and why it matters
- Critical minerals, battery recycling, and national competitiveness
- Tariff volatility and the cost of policy uncertainty
- USMCA review, Canada relationships, and North American stability
- The Chinese OEM threat and rule-based trade enforcement
- What automotive leaders can expect from policymakers moving forward
🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more
Featured Guest: Congresswoman Haley Stevens
Congresswoman Haley Stevens is a Michigan native who served as Chief of Staff on President Obama’s auto rescue team, helping save 200,000 Michigan jobs. Elected to Congress in 2018, she flipped a Republican-held seat and has since championed Michigan’s manufacturing and auto industries. She has introduced legislation to strengthen domestic supply chains, counter China’s influence in critical minerals and auto production, and push back against tariffs impacting Michigan families. Stevens has been recognized as one of the most effective Democrats in Congress, particularly on science and technology issues, and is currently running to be Michigan’s next U.S. Senator.
About Your Host – Jan Griffiths
Jan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry.
Mentioned in this episode
Episode Highlights
[01:26] Why Jan Brought a Policymaker Onto the Show: Policy now shapes daily decisions in automotive. Jan explains why Washington can no longer be ignored.
[04:09] Nearly 200 Manufacturing Mondays Visits: Haley Stevens shares how nearly 200 shop floor visits keep her grounded in real manufacturing issues.
[07:03] Inside the Auto Task Force During GM’s Bankruptcy: A firsthand look at the bipartisan effort to stabilize GM and protect American jobs during the crisis.
[10:03] Chips and Reshoring Strategy: From pandemic shortages to the CHIPS Act, rebuilding semiconductor strength became a national priority.
[11:14] China’s 95% Control of Critical Minerals: China dominates processing and refining. Stevens calls it a supply chain and national security risk.
[14:17] USMCA and Canada Trade Tensions: Uncertainty around trade agreements creates instability for manufacturers across North America.
[15:20] 55 Tariff Announcements in 100 Days: Volatility is the real problem. Constant tariff changes leave suppliers scrambling.
[16:57] The Chinese OEM Threat: Chinese automakers are expanding globally. The competitive pressure is real, even if we do not see it yet.
[18:26] What Leaders Should Expect from Policymakers: Leaders need steady voices who understand the supply chain and fight for fair competition.
Top Quotes
[07:53] Haley Stevens: “We were caught holding the bag and we needed to act.”
[10:03] Haley Stevens: “They're doing 95% of that processing and refining, we've seeded an industry to them.”
[00:15:20] Haley Stevens: “When you mention the White House tab that's open, 55 tariffs announcements in the first a hundred days, and then many more from that. I mean, manufacturers didn't know which way is up.”
[00:18:37] Haley Stevens: “Well, look, I think we need reasonable policy makers who actually have an understanding of the industries and the jobs that they are lawmaking around.”
[00:19:20] Jan Griffiths: “I would agree. It's the volatility that kills us. Tariffs are here. They're a reality, whether we like it or not, it's part of the administration moving forward. They're here, but it's the way that they're administered that we have a problem with.”
The automotive industry does not operate in a vacuum.
Trade policy, tariffs, semiconductor access, critical minerals, and global competition now shape execution decisions daily.
You cannot lead at speed if you ignore the forces shaping your environment.
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This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders
Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.